Buyers Package Presentation by Team Ferrari Pere

REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST!

Monica Ferrari and Jose Luis Pere Redefining Excellence in Real Estate速

Welcome to South Florida! We are pleased to be working with you and wish to assure we will provide you with our undivided attention in helping you find a home that satisfies your needs. We think you will find our real estate brokerage service to be the best and most comprehensive available in our community. We understand that when a family moves to a new community, information is needed which we are happy to obtain and provide, such facts regarding schools, shopping, transportation, etc. The South Florida area uses the multiple listing service concept for selling homes. Homes which are listed for sale with a Realtor ( real estate sales agent) are placed on the multiple listing service ( “MLS”) to which all Realtors have access. The MLS method serves both buyers and sellers. It enables buyers to work with any sales agent of their choice and to view all homes listed for sale in the desired price range, location, etc. It provides sellers with the most exposure to all of the buyers that may be seeking a comparable home and attracts those buyers to their homes and promotes a sale. Sales commissions are typically paid at the time of closing by the seller and shared by all agents involved with a sale. In exchange for the many hours that we will spend helping you find your new home, we ask for your loyalty. If you see a “For Sale” sign, an advertisement for an open house or hear of a home for sale that you have not seen, please call us first. We can show you any home on the market. We can assist you with any “for sale by owner” properties. We appreciate the confidence you have placed in us and look forward to assisting you in your search for a new home.

Sincerely,

Monica Ferrari, CIPS, CLHMS, CRS, GRI, TRC

Jose Luis Pere, MBA, CRS

Realtor-Associate

1430 S. Dixie Hwy., Suite 110, Coral Gables FL 33146 - 305.213.5902 & 305.588.6498 www.MyMiamiMoves.com

Monica Ferrari,

CIPS, CLHMS, CRS, GRI TRC

Redefining excellence in real estate ®

About Monica As a recognized top producer, Monica is hardworking and dedicated to each and every transaction. Her credibility, integrity and understanding of human nature are assets she puts to work for her clients. Their best interest always comes first, which is reflected by the substantial portion of her business coming from referrals. Building relationships based on trust and a painstaking effort to deliver faithful service are of utmost priority.

Attitude is everything Monica believes that when you have the right attitude, you can accomplish everything in life. She has the resources, passion, enthusiasm and commitment to assist her clients in making the right real estate choice. 

Services tailored to your specific needs         

Expert market consulting and analysis Optimum home selling results Effective home buying services Inspections, appraisal and permit considerations Comprehensive relocation services Informative community tours and area orientations Creative problem solving and solutions Escrow, financing, and closing guidance Sound investment approach

Professional Affiliations         

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) International Marketing Specialist Relocation Specialist Member of Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County Member of Florida Association of Realtors Member of National Association of Realtors

   

305.213.5902 MonicaFerrariMiami@gmail.com www.MyMiamiMoves.com

Areas Brickell Area  Miami Coconut Grove  Miami Beach Coral Gables  Palmetto Bay Key Biscayne  Pinecrest And other surrounding fine areas!

All the qualities you’re looking for       

Multicultural sensitivity-Multilingual Seasoned negotiation skills Integrity and discretion Motivation and commitment Enthusiasm and humor Extensive market expertise A sterling reputation for results

Ready to help you! Monica’s focus is on the client and delivering service with care and an understanding of their needs. A Miami resident since 1980, her market expertise and extensive knowledge of the community and area schools are also a great resource for relocating clients and families with children.

Jose Luis Pere, MBA, CRS Redefining excellence in real estate®

About Jose Luis Jose Luis’ passion lies in the satisfaction of his clients. Clients admire his thorough knowledge of the market; his patience; precision and organizational skills; his real estate and business experience; and most of all, his integrity, honesty and hard work. As a result Jose Luis’ extensive list of clients comes mainly from personal referrals and repeat business.

Outstanding Credentials Jose Luis is a top producer at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, with over 20 years in South Florida and a decade in the residential real estate market. Jose Luis knows South Florida. As a graduate in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech and holding an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, Jose Luis brings exceptionally clear and keen business acumen to his clients.

Services tailored to your specific needs         

Professional Affiliations       

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) International Marketing Specialist Relocation Specialist International President’s Elite Award Member of Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches Member of Florida Association of Realtors Member of National Association of Realtors

305.588.6498 JoseLuis@JLPere.com www.MyMiamiMoves.com

Areas     

Brickell Area  Miami Coconut Grove  Miami Beach Coral Gables  Palmetto Bay Key Biscayne  Pinecrest And other surrounding fine areas!

All the qualities you’re looking for       

Multicultural sensitivity-Multilingual Seasoned negotiation skills Integrity and discretion Motivation and commitment Enthusiasm and humor Extensive market expertise A sterling reputation for results

Community Involvement Jose Luis participates extensively in non-profit charitable and cultural organizations throughout the area. His dedication to his community is visible as a member and volunteer of non-profit community service organizations.

Monica Ferrari — Jose Luis Pere Redefining excellence in real estate®

Professional Designations, Awards and Affiliations

 Certified International Property Specialist, CIPS  Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, CLHMS  Certified Residential Specialist, CRS (2% of realtors have earned the CRS designation)

 Graduate Realtor Institute, GRI  International Property Specialist  International Marketing Specialist  Relocation Specialist  Member of Master Brokers Forum (South Florida’s Top Residential Real Estate Professionals)  Certified Ecobroker

Testimonials “We just got back in town and we want to thank you for selling our apartment in such a good and professional manner, the holiday card, and the sweets. We want you to know that when we have the need to use a realtor or recommend one we would not hesitate for a second to use the two of you.” Scott and Patti Kotler “Thank you both for all your efforts to help us find and purchase the apartment. We really appreciate how you have extended yourselves to make our transition to Miami so pleasurable.” David and Susan Galler “ The work performed by Monica Ferrari, Jose Luis Pere and Virginia Marley, was so superior we decided it should be brought to your attention.” “ This superior performance included the pricing research that was carried out by the team. Another example of expertise was the careful and able way in which Monica Ferrari and Jose Luis Pere negotiated with the bidders.” Brandon Robinson and Eileen Robinson Smith “We are writing this letter to let you know how pleased we are with the services we received from Monica Ferrari and Jose Luis Pere.” “They were always timely when showing the house and even screened prospective buyers so as not to waste our time.” “We highly recommend Jose Luis Pere and Monica Ferrari. They conduct themselves efficiently and ethically. We greatly appreciate their service.” Margery and Charles Seitz “ Moving from one city to another is always a very difficult thing to do, but you both certainly went above and beyond the call of duty and made our move a much smoother process.” “ It was great having both of you in our corner knowing that all the details were taken care of in a very professional manner.” Rick and Janice Piedra “ From the initial presentation of a sales plan, to the execution of that very plan, they acted in a most professional and business-like manner at all times. They were diligent and energetic in carrying-out the sales efforts on our behalf. “ William J. Weiner, M.D “Monica Ferrari and Jose Luis Pere deserve an award for their patience and understanding. We have dealt with many realtors and they have gone above and beyond trying to help us with all our needs.” Evelyn and Peter Callahan

Testimonials (continued) “Monica Ferrari and Jose Luis Pere are superb! I cannot compliment them enough for the extraordinary job they have done. They listened carefully to my criteria, and were exceptional in providing me with the latest listings and arranging appointments.” Dave Brubeck

“Solo unas líneas para darle las gracias por los trabajos y el interés que nos demostraron por vender la casa. Consideramos que son muy pocos los realtors que trabajan como lo hacen ustedes, siempre disponible las 24 hrs. del día.” Los Tarins “ On behalf of my wife and I, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the extraordinary effort and dedication Ms. Monica Ferrari and Mr. Jose Luis Pere showed during the sale and purchase of our new home.” “ The experience and professionalism during a difficult time for us was most appreciated. It is with personal thanks that we commend them for a job well done.” Teresita and Aristides Rivera “Your efforts resulted in a fast sale at a good price-in spite of the buyer’s market. Your enthusiasm led us to believe that you would do the best possible job and we were right.” Bert and Charlotte Luer “ Congratulations on your September newsletter for homeowners! It’s cute and newsy and full of valuable information.” Nancy Masterson “ Nous avons apprécié votre gentillesse et votre écoute, ainsi que votre réelle connaissance du marché immobilier de Miami et de son systéme scolaire.” “Enfin, vous avez su nous faire comprendre comment acheter et vendre une maison dans les meilleures conditions, en nous aidant au mieux á négocier avec les différentes parties en présence.” “Nous n’hésitons pas á recommender votre expertise á tous ceux qui chercheraient á acquérir un bien immobilier dans cette région.” Jean-Francois et Anne Sophie Gueguen

Home Buying Made Easier with a Buyer Representative As your buyer representatives, we will represent you, the home buyer, during every step of the real estate transaction. It is our commitment to make this experience as simple as possible. By offering numerous services and resources, we will make the real estate process less complicated and more satisfying for everyone. The following information will further explain what a buyer’s agent is and does for you During the real estate transaction.

 Buyer’s Agent? A buyer’s agent represents only you, the home buyer. We are on your side and pledge to help you find the right property, negotiate the right price for you, and structure the transaction in your best interest.

 What are the benefits of working with a Buyer’s Agent? We will listen to your concerns and help you during each step of the buying process. You can rest assure that you have someone looking out for you. Additionally, we have access to some of the most comprehensive training programs in the industry.

 How will we help you find the right home? With the help of all the information in this guidebook, which serves as a personal step -by-step guide to finding and financing the home you want. From beginning the search, finding the right home, financing your home and understanding the language of home buying.

 If a house is listed through the Multiple Listing Service, will we be able to show it to you? Yes. As a real estate agent, we can provide detailed information about homes listed in newspaper and home buyer’s guidebooks.

 Will we be able to show you a house with a “For Sale” sign out front even if it is not listed by a real estate agent? A private walk-through of virtually any house displaying an ―Open House‖ or ―For Sale‖ yard sign can be arranged. Our goal is to help you find the right home, and we’ll work with you to achieve that goal.

DO’S AND DON'TS OF BUYING REAL ESTATE  DO-Work Loyally and Honestly with your Real Estate Agent. This agent should be a full time         

agent who is available to your needs. DO– Call your Realtor with any addresses you pass, which may look interesting to you, even on Saturdays or Sundays. DO– Call your Realtor with any ads you see in the paper, Open Houses you would like to visit and any home you see on the Internet. DO– Ask your Realtor questions regarding anything of concern to you purchasing a home. DO– Be punctual for all appointments. Owners and other Realtors are waiting to show you their property. DO– Call your Realtor if you need to change the appointment or if you are running late for an appointment. DO– Allow your Realtor to have his/her Mortgage Professional speak to you and verify your Credit History and Mortgage limitations. DO– Inspect properties with all decision makers. DO– View properties with all decision makers. DO– Give your Realtor all your contact numbers, work, home, cell and even your email address. There will be times, that a property will come available and it’s the one for you. In today’s market we need to let you know about this property as soon as possible, because it will not last.

 DON’T– Walk into an Open House without your Realtor. If you do, do not register under your    

name. Register with your Realtors Name ONLY, and give them his/her card. DON’T– Knock on any door, which has a For Sale Sign in their Yard. Call your Realtor with the address and phone number on the sign. DON'T– Open up any new charge cards or buy a large item like a car while looking for a home. DON’T– View properties with small children when possible. Arrange for a sitter during this time so you can concentrate and enjoy the experience. DON’T- Be afraid to ask questions!!! Call your Realtor immediately when a question comes up.

REALTOR ________________________________ PHONE ______________________________ REALTOR ________________________________ PHONE ______________________________

FROM CONTRACT TO CLOSING DATE The Home Buying Process COORDINATE INSPECTION, CONDUCT PERMIT SEARCH HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AND FLOOD ZONE SURVEY

CONTRACT’S EFFECTIVE DATE

INITIATE FINANCING APPRAISAL REQUEST BY LENDER

SELECT ATTORNEY/ CLOSING AGENT

OBTAIN HOME OWNERS INSURANCE SCHEDULE ALL MAIN SERVICES TO BE INSTALLED FOR THE DAY OF OCCUPANCY

COORDINATE WALKTHROUGH

RECEIVE AND REVIEW CLOSING STATEMENT A DAY PRIOR TO CLOSING

WARRANTIES TRANSFERRED AND KEYS ARE COLLECTED. NEW HOME OWNER!

FROM CONTRACT TO CLOSING DATE (Home Buying Checklist) A. Contract’s effective date: B. Inspections as per contract: general inspections include roof, termite, structural, a/c & heating, appliances, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler, septic, pool equipment, security system, seawall, environmental inspections. (Inspections also apply to crawl space if one exists). Also a permit search should be conducted as well as confirmation of flood zone. Flood zone survey, if applicable (verify with lender if required). Inspections periods ends ______________ To respond to seller________________ 1. Call inspectors and order inspections 2. Coordinate with agent to make arrangement for inspections. 3. Inspection reports to be turned to agent to inform everyone involved or the results. Copies of report to: - original to buyer - copy to listing agent - copy to selling agent - copy to attorneys - copy to closing agent ( if roof & termite are required by lender). C. Buyer to contract mortgage company/bank to make sure financing application is on track. ( Application deadline in contract:……….) (Loan commitment date ……………………..) -Buyer should start inquiring on homeowners insurance estimates. D. Appraisal to requested by lender. E. Buyer to select attorney/closing agent. Closing agent should be acceptable to lender. F. Insurance shopping: Flood insurance, if applicable, (all to be delivered to closing agent). Should be done as soon as possible, definitely upon receipt of loan commitment. (Do not bind/pay until a day or two before closing date unless closing is taking place during hurricane months and the possibility of a hurricane warning exists). G. Coordinate walk-through inspection a day or two before closing date. If any problems notify parties( in writing). Buyer should be present during walk-through. H. Buyer to schedule turning on electrical, water, gas, telephone service for day of occupancy. Also, alarm monitoring if applicable. I. Day before closing buyer to receive a closing statement, review it and be prepared to get cashier’s checks the day of the closing. J. Make sure any transferable warranties are transferred to buyer at closing. Get all keys, clickers, codes, etc. at closing.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE TAXES: AMENDMENT 10 Understanding Amendment 10 will help you avoid being surprised by higher real estate taxes. Amendment 10 requires that yearly increases in the Assessed Value of properties with Homestead Exemption ( HEX) be capped at 3% or at the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. The key to understanding Amendment 10 is the chain of events triggered by the title change of a property with HEX– such as when a home sells. After such a sale or change in title, the cap is removed and as a result, the Assessed Value ( See 6 below) may increase without regard to Amendment 10. If the Assessed Value rises, then so does the Taxable Value (see 7 below). And when the Taxable Value increases, the taxes of your home may also increase. HEX and the Amendment 10 cap are linked. HEX is not transferable but if you purchase your home after January 1 you may not be affected by the loss of the benefits from Amendment 10 until the next year. If you as the buyer are able to retain the Amendment 10 benefits, the Assessed Value remains capped only for the current year. When the cap is removed the next year, the Assessed Value must then equal the Market Value (see 5 below). If the Market Value of your property is higher than the Assessed Value at the time you purchased your property, there is no escaping a rise in the Assessed Value. This increase in taxes can arrive on the first bill if the buyer did not benefit from the seller’s HEX or on the next year’s bill if the buyer did benefit from the seller’s HEX. Under Amendment 10 your Assessed Value is capped as of the applicable Base Year, which is the first year that a homeowner applies for and receives HEX. For the Base Year the law requires that the Assessed Value equal the Market Value. As a new owner, to receive HEX and benefits from Amendment 10 you must apply for HEX on or before the March 1 deadline. Once HEX is granted the cap remains so long as the title remains unchanged and the homeowner continuously receives HEX on the same property. (For exceptions see Chapter 193.155, Florida Statues i.e. new construction, alterations or improvements are not caped the first year they are placed on the tax roll but are thereafter.)

Source: Http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/pa/Amendment10.htm

EXAMPLE OF HOW AMENDMENT 10 WORKS Example assumes that you bought a home in 2001 in a neighborhood with rapidly rising sale prices. Year

19992

2000

20013

20024

Market Value5

$125,000

$150,000

$175,000

$200,000

Assessed Value6

$125,000

$128,375

$132,226

$200,000

Amendment 10 Cap Rate

No Cap

2.7%

3.0%

No Cap

(Seller’s Base Yr)

(2000 CPI)

(2001 CPI 3.6%)

(Buyer’s Base Yr)

Non-taxable Value Per Amendment 10 Cap

$21,625

$42,774

Homestead Exemption (HEX)

$25,000

Taxable Value7

$100,000

$103,375

$107,226

$175,000

Taxes (Hypothetical)8

$2,500

$2,584

$2,681

$4,375

Amendment 10 was adopted in 1992 when voters amended the Florida Constitution. In 1994 the amendment took effect and 1995 was the first year Assessed Values could be capped. 2

Seller purchases home April 15, 1998. (Therefore, the seller’s Base Year is 1999 after being granted HEX for 1999). 3

Buyer (you) purchased home on February 14, 2001 and inherited the HEX for 2001.

Base year due to a change in ownership and granting of HEX to buyer for 2002. In the Base Year the Market Value equals Assessed Value. In this example, the Assessed Value increased approximately $70,000 or 54%. 5

Market Value-- a.k.a. Just Value-- is an estimate of what the home would sell for after costs such as real estate agent’s commission are subtracted. This estimate is based on recent and comparable home sales and any residential land sales. 6

Assessed Value is the value after Amendment 10 is applied to the Market Value.

Taxable Value is the dollar amount used to calculate property taxes (see 8 below).

These taxes are hypothetical because each year the millage usually changes. Your property taxes are calculated by multiplying the millage by the Taxable Value and adding any non-ad valorem taxes such as waste, special taxing districts, road, fire, etc. For the sake of simplicity this example uses millage of $25 per thousand dollars of Taxable Value and excludes non-ad valorem assessments. Source: Http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/pa/Amendment10.htm

Property Tax Reform On January 29, 2008, the people of Florida voted in overwhelming numbers to save nearly $10 billion in property taxes with the approval of Amendment 1. This tax relief is in addition to the $15 billion tax cut passed by the Florida Legislature in 2007. Together, they add up to almost $25 billion in property-tax cuts over five years for Florida homeowners and business. For information about how to receive these new benefits, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Web site online at www.myflorida.com/dor. You may also wish to contact your local appraiser’s office. Citizens will gain the freedom to purchase a new home without huge tax penalties. Rental home owners, second home owners and businesses will benefit from limits on future tax increases. The amendment contains two provisions that we have long advocated: doubling the homestead exemption and the ability for Florida families to take with them their Save Our Homes tax savings. Specially, the constitutional amendment: 1. Doubles the homestead exemption for almost all homeowners, providing and average savings of about $240 annually. The new exemption applies fully to homesteads valued over $75,000, and partially for homestead valued between $50,000 and $75,000. This new exemption does not apply to school taxes. 2. Allows portability: The Governor has heard from many Floridians that they feel trapped in their homes. Portability allows homeowners to transfer their Save Our Homes tax benefits from their current home to a newly purchased home within any Florida county. Portability applies to homes purchased in 2007 and later, and benefit is capped at $500,000. 3. Provides an assessment cap of 10 percent for all properties not previously capped: While homestead properties are already capped at three percent, now all other properties, including rental properties, second homes, and business properties, will be protected from huge tax increases. This new exemption does not apply to school taxes. 4. Creates a new $25,000 exemption for business property, including office furniture, computers, machinery, and equipment. The passage of Amendment 1 will help jump start Florida’s housing market and make Florida even more business friendly. Again, I encourage you to please read below or visit the Department of Revenue's Web site online at www.myflorida.com/dor for information about how to receive these new benefits.

 Find Out How to Receive Amendment 1 Benefits Contains information regarding what actions must be taken by March 1, 2008, in order to take advantage of Amendment 1 benefits.

 Save Our Homes Portability Apply by March 1, 2008, transfer your Save Our Homes benefit to your new home.

Florida’s Tax Portability If you moved ―within‖ Florida, you may be eligible for a property tax break through the 2008 four – part constitutional amendment known as Amendment 1. This allows you to transfer part of your Save Our Homes tax savings from your old home to your new home. With ―Save Our Homes‖, you are protected with a maximum of a 3 percent increase in the assessed value of a homestead each year. However, when you moves you lost 3 percent cap and your new home was assessed at current market value. Amendment 1 made tax savings ―portable‖ so you can now transfer up to $500, 000 of your accrued Save Our Homes benefit to your new home. To file, you must have applied for you regular $25,000 homestead exemption on the new home by March 1. If you have not done this, you must do so with your local county property appraiser. If you have filed for your homestead exemption, next you must fill out a form, titled ―Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference. ― The form is available at your property appraiser’s office or on the appraiser’s web site.

ADJUSTED SQUARE FOOTAGE

100%

BASE LIVING AREA

33%

Carport Area— No Walls

50%

Garage

*33%

Patio area– with roof

25%

Roof overhang area greater than 3 feet with no concrete walkway

33%

Roof over hang area greater than 3 feet with concrete walkway

50%

Utility room

66%

Florida room– Added after original construction

* Patio areas around pool not under roof, even if screened, are not included in adj. square footage.

Finding the Right Home

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS SERVICES Florida Power & Light Co.

(305) 442-8770

Miami Dade Water & Sewer New Service

(305) 665-7471 (305) 669-7701

Bellsouth Telephone Company

(305) 780-2355

POLICE Coral Gables Police

(305) 442-1600

City of Miami Police

(305) 579-6111

South Miami Police

(305) 663-6301

Miami Dade County Police

(305) 4-POLICE

Pinecrest Police

(305) 234-2100

SCHOOL School District Region V

(305) 595-7022

CITY HALL Coral Gables South Miami City of Miami Dade County Pinecrest Fire Department

(305) 446-6800 (305) 663-6338 (305) 416-1025 (305) 375-5656 (305) 234-2121 General Info. (305) 596-8540 or 911 (Emergencies)

Real Estate Experience You Can Trust!

Before You Move…

Recommendations Ask for counterparts to contact in your new community from your doctor, dentist, attorney, and so on.

Contact Movers Get estimates from at least two companies. Choose one and set the date. Check on cargo insurance covering your personal belongings.

Change of Address Your local Post Office has the card you’ll need to fill out. Also contact: magazine/newspaper subscription office, life, health, homeowners, and auto insurance companies, credit card companies, clubs and organization, banks, doctors’ offices and so forth. Insurance Policy Transfer Make sure personal possessions will be covered at your new home and en route. Bank Accounts Have your bank arrange credit references for establishing a new account if you are moving to a new city or state. Arrange to close out and transfer accounts and contents of safe deposit boxes. Utility Companies Florida Power & Light 305-442-8770 Miami-Dade Sewer & Water 305-665-7488 BellSouth 305-780-2355 Notify local utility companies of cut-off date and where to send final bill if necessary. Notify utility companies in your new community of your expected start-up date. Also, find out whether or not you’ll need to provide a deposit, either in advance or if you will be billed. (Gas, oil, electric, water, phone, cable.) Notify Local Services Paper carrier Dry cleaners/laundry service Diaper service Garbage collection

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Retrieve Records Birth certificate (s) School records (year-to-date status for each child) Doctors records (immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, etc.) Dentist (copy of records and x-rays) Confirmation/Baptism//Bar or Bat Mitzvah, etc. Appliances Contact utility serviceman or mover to disconnect your major appliances at a specific time. Have your new utility companies check and install major appliances at your new home as well. ( Washer, dryer, range, refrigerator/freezer, airconditioner, television sets, aerials, satellite dish, etc.) Find a Key Keeper Leave keys to your old house with your real estate sales associate or a neighbor. Await The Movers Someone must be present at both your old house and your new one to meet movers. They are paid for their time, even if they have to wait to be let in. Register to Vote Some areas require a specified period of residency before you are eligible to vote. Check on this as soon as you know your intended arrival date. School Registration Arrange in advance to have children’s records transferred from their old school. Also find out the procedure for registration at the new school and what papers or information you will need to bring with you. Driver’s License You can now change the address on your license by mail. The postcard is available at driver’s license offices. Also remember to change address on your vehicle registration when you renew.

MOVING TIPS Before packing, get rid of everything you don’t need. Call charitable organizations to collect things they can use ( you get tax credit). Hold a garage or yard sale. As you pack, make an inventory list of your belongings for insurance purposes. List approximate value. Start early. Pack off-season clothes, “good” glassware, and other things you seldom use. Get a black felt marking pen and wide masking tape. Label every box and piece of furniture as to what’s in it and where it goes. Move valuable jewelry , documents, works of art, etc., yourself or make sure they will be insured in transit.

 What is the difference between prequalification and preapproval ? Prequalification establishes how much you can afford to borrow based on how much you have, earn and owe. It is not an assurance of mortgage approval. Preapproval, on the other hand, is a detailed approach that can give you a firm decision on a home loan. Preapproved buyers have increased bargaining power because sellers are more apt to negotiate with ―cash‖ buyers.

 What are the most popular mortgage options? Fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages are the most popular. Fixed rate mortgages carry the same interest rate for the life of the loan, while adjustable rate mortgages are linked to a financial rate index that fluctuates periodically.

 How will You know if the home is in good condition? A seller’s Disclosure Statement reveals information that may affect your offer to purchase. It is the law in over 20 states that the seller disclose faults associated with the property they are selling. We will thoroughly review the Seller’s Disclosure Statement to help you understand its potential ramifications.

 How important are inspections, title searches and appraisals? All three are very important. Professional inspections are the best way to avoid surprises that could be costly or even dangerous, like structural problems or pest damage. A title search will determine whether anyone but the seller have a legal claim to the property. An appraisal provides independent confirmation of the value of the home.

 How will we assist you with the closing? We will monitor the entire purchase process and help you prepare for a smooth closing. We will track the satisfactory completion of all contingencies and conditions required under your purchase agreement. At the closing, documents will be signed and funds will be exchanged to make the property yours.

From the initial search to settling into your new home, We will have all the tools to show you the way home.

, interest only loans

â&#x2013;Ş mortgages for foreign nationals 30

Call Monica Ferrari or Jose Luis Pere

Green Financing or Eco-Mortgages Following info is from the ecobroker website: “ENERGY-EFFICIENT MORTGAGES” Technology Snapshot & Benefits: Energy-efficient mortgages are one of the most beneficial and under-utilized programs the consumer can find and capitalize upon in today’s real estate market. An energy-efficient mortgage can add an additional 15% of a home’s appraised value to the principal of a new loan or refinance, often at no additional cost, no compromise in the loan-to-value ration for the borrower, and sometimes at a better rate. Yes, one pays a bit more in principal and interest, at today’s rates, roughly $30-50 dollars per month, over the course of the loan. However, when this extra principal is used to install energy efficiency measures, it is not uncommon for the property owner to realize $75-100 per month in energy and cost savings. When working with a lender who offers and understands the energy efficient mortgage programs available, the steps for the borrower are very straightforward. Estimated Cost Savings: There are no additional costs associated with many energy efficient mortgage options, other than the coast of the additional $15,000 in amortized principal and interest ( PI). By definition, the savings created by the energy efficiency measure are grater than the additional PI. This provides the assurance lenders need to conclude loans of this nature are good biasness. In fact, the attractiveness of the energy efficient mortgage options also extends to lenders. What happens is that as the borrowers make the stated energy efficiency improvements and create monthly utility bill and other savings, their monthly cash-flow improves. This improvement in monthly cashflow makes the borrower an even more stable and reliable customer, less likely to present the prospect of default. Issues: Most energy-efficient financing programs require that the borrower has an energy rating on their existing or new home. A rating typically involves an inspection by a professional energy rater who is certified under a nationally or state accredited home energy rating specialist (HERS). The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) provides a database of Certified Home Energy Raters by state. Regional Issues: Energy-efficient mortgages and other financing options for energy efficiency improvements are available throughout the U.S. and internationally. Installation (Getting it Done): The first easy step is to talk to a few lenders, such as the affiliates here on the site, and then prepare to have a certified energy rater come and conduct the analysis of your property. Your lender will also have suggestions as to energy raters who work with them on energy efficient mortgages, just as your lender has an appraiser with whom he/she works to conduct appraisals. For more information on energy efficient mortgages, see the links below and the Web sites of our Eco Broker Affliates in the lending industry. U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse: Financing and Energy-Efficient Home U.S. Department of Energy’s Consumer Energy Information: Elements of an Energy-Efficient House

Courtesy of:

Monica Ferrari - Jose Luis Pere Redefining Excellence in Real Estate®

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty 1430 South Dixie Hwy., Suite 110 Coral Gables, Florida 33146 Cellular: 305.213.5902 / 305.588.6498 Fax: 305.675.8226 Email: MonicaFerrariMiami@gmail.com / JoseLuis@JLPere.com